Special Forces Research Articles

‘A clash of cultures’: varying perspectives on the Rhodesian incorporation into the South African special forces

ABSTRACT The South African Special Forces shared a close bond with the Rhodesian Special Air Service during the 1970s. Prior to the political changes in Rhodesia in 1980, a secret offer had been extended by the South African Defence Force to the Special Air Service to join the South African Special Forces. Following the 1979 elections in Rhodesia, many Rhodesian SAS operators joined the South African Special Forces to form 6 Reconnaissance Commando. However, the cultural differences and friction between the South African and Rhodesian operators hindered long-term cooperation. The potential for a much broader integration of Rhodesian experience was lost due to the clash in cultures between the South Africans and Rhodesians, and the loss of these Rhodesian operators due to dissatisfaction represented a missed opportunity for South Africa to have significantly strengthened its special forces. After only one operation in 1981, in which three Rhodesian operators were killed in action, most of the Rhodesians opted to end their contract with the South African Special Forces, which ultimately resulted in the closure of the Rhodesian Commando. This article examines why the incorporation of the Rhodesians did not work as envisioned from both a Rhodesian and South African perspective.

Compensatory Strategies Persist In Special Operations Forces Personnel With A Previous Lower Extremity Injury

Compensatory Strategies Persist In Special Operations Forces Personnel With A Previous Lower Extremity Injury

Surgical challenges in Non-combatant Evacuation Operations

BackgroundGlobal uncertainties have prompted nations to adopt vigilant approaches to safeguard their citizens. Recent crises have compelled Western nations to undertake evacuations, ranging from peaceful scenarios to urgent military interventions. In April 2023, Sudan descended into civil war, prompting France to orchestrate a complex evacuation operation leveraging prepositioned forces in Djibouti. Materials & MethodsThis retrospective observational study aims to analyze the surgical challenges encountered during Operation SAGITTAIRE (OS), focusing on human, technical, and logistical requirements for successful military interventions in multinational civilian populations. ResultsOS successfully evacuated 1017 individuals of 84 nationalities from Khartoum using road, sea, and air routes. Special forces teams, including the Surgical Life-saving Module (SLM), were mobilized alongside conventional military elements. The Joint Medical Surgical Center (JMSC) in Djibouti served as a permanent medical facility with comprehensive facilities and staff. Air Medical evacuations were performed for vicitms and surgical interventions were conducted, including damage control surgery, orthopedic procedures, and debridements. Five surgical evaluations and four surgical procedures were performed. The operation spanned 96 hours without death. The SLM, deployed in Khartoum and within an aircraft, played a crucial role. DiscussionOS highlighted the need for a comprehensive health support system. Challenges in assessing health needs led to the establishment of a substantial and adaptable system. The report emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to support Non-combatant Evacuation Operations in French Doctrine. ConclusionOS showcased the French Health Military Service's capabilities in deploying a comprehensive damage control chain in challenging environments. This fatality-free success underlines the effectiveness of coordinated resuscitation, damage control, and transportation. Evacuation operations in non-combatant settings during civil wars pose formidable challenges, requiring a modular and adaptable support concept. Coordination, communication, logistical preparation, and training are crucial elements for successful management of such operations.

Entangled in Regional Geopolitics - Tibetans in the Special Frontier Force of India

The Special Frontier Force (S.F.F.) was raised by the Intelligence Bureau of India in the immediate aftermath of the Indo China war of 1962. Initially composed of Tibetan youths, it was known as the Establishment 22. Records indicate that it was raised by India in coordination with US intelligence Agency, the C.I.A. and with full endorsement of Washington. The force was trained by C.I.A., among other things to collect intelligence from across India’s China border with the help of electronic devices. The C.I.A. patronage was gradually withdrawn after 1964. In India, the force was commissioned to action in Chittagong Hill tracts in 1971, on the eve of Indo Pakistan War over Bangladesh issue. Later they took part in Operation Bluestar in Punjab and fought in the war of Kargil in 1999. Their activities and operations had so far been kept under total secret. Recently they were employed by the Government of India in the border faceoff with China in Ladakh in August 2020. The death of Nyima Tenzin of S.S.F. turned the spotlight on them and their sacrifice was highlighted. The importance of the S.F.F. in India’s security set up has to be understood in the context of the regional geopolitics and India’s Tibet policy. The force was raised in the era of Cold war when the C.I.A. was helping the Tibetan resistant warriors, the Chushi Gandruk, fighting from Mustang in Nepal. India, too was ready to help them even if covertly, to get back Tibet’s political status. Raising of the force gave not only a job opportunity to the Tibetan refugee youths but served their nationalist aspirations and suited India’s need of a trained mountain force post 1962 to combat China in the Himalayan region. But following the withdrawal of the C.I.A., Sino US rapprochement in the 1970s and the subsequent end of the Cold War, the priorities changed in the US and India’s policy towards China also went through several phases. The recent deterioration of relations with China has once again brought Tibetan issue to the limelight. India’s recognition of the S.F.F. actions in the war indicates how India, in order to put pressure on China is giving space to the Tibetan CTA (The Government in Exile, in India) and the Tibetans in S.F.F. The Tibetans have not been able to achieve independence but they are now being used in the political rivalry of the two regional powers.

Enhancing Close Quarters Battle Performance—The Effect of a Compact Training on the Tactical Performance and Stress Response of Non-Specialized and Special Forces

AbstractClose Quarters Battle (CQB) is a highly challenging and relevant ability, especially with the increasing frequency of urban operations. Evaluating the impact of CQB training on performance and stress response can inform effective training approaches for different training levels. This study assessed the effects of a compact CQB training program on the tactical performance and physiological stress responses of police special forces and soldiers. A sample of N = 35 participants (n = 18 police special forces) conducted a CQB training and a pre- and post-CQB performance test (standardized eye-tracking and video-based evaluation by two experts). The stress response was measured during (heart rate), before, and after CQB (salivary αlpha-amylase and cortisol samples). The results indicated that the training enhanced the performance of specialized and non-specialized forces, particularly evident in tactical behavior, while response time and gaze behavior did not improve. Stress responses decreased post-training, and a positive correlation was found between the anticipatory stress response and pre-training performance. A CQB compact training proved effective in performance enhancement and stress reduction, with gaze behavior indicating in-depth CQB expertise. Moreover, the results indicated that a heightened anticipatory stress response enhances performance. These insights support the development of CQB training programs tailored for both novices and experts, using tactical behavior, weapon handling, gaze behavior, and response time as evaluation metrics. Gaze behavior, in particular, proved to be a reliable indicator of CQB mastery and can be leveraged for personnel selection and training assessments.

Predicting special forces dropout via explainable machine learning.

Selecting the right individuals for a sports team, organization, or military unit has a large influence on the achievements of the organization. However, the approaches commonly used for selection are either not reporting predictive performance or not explainable (i.e., black box models). In the present study, we introduce a novel approach to selection research, using various machine learning models. We examined 274 special forces recruits, of whom 196 dropped out, who performed a set of physical and psychological tests. On this data, we compared four machine learning models on their predictive performance, explainability, and stability. We found that a stable rule-based (SIRUS) model was most suitable for classifying dropouts from the special forces selection program. With an averaged area under the curve score of 0.70, this model had good predictive performance, while remaining explainable and stable. Furthermore, we found that both physical and psychological variables were related to dropout. More specifically, a higher score on the 2800m time, need for connectedness, and skin folds was most strongly associated with dropping out. We discuss how researchers and practitioners can benefit from these insights in sport and performance contexts.

Campaigning with partners in the fourth age of SOF – the case of Norwegian – U.S. High North collaboration

Special Operations Forces (SOF) need to adapt to a new operating environment, characterized by competition, state-centric threats, and the use of conventional military power. The adaptation is a consequence of the existing causal relationship between given security environments and the role and activities of SOF. In the case of the High North, this entails SOF pivoting from being the supported entity to a supporting entity of the combined joint force. Norwegian, and U.S. SOF can effectively campaign in this theater by focusing at how different aspects influence future success. Aspects discussed are (i) Perspective, (ii) Conventional Military Capabilities, (iii) SOF Capabilities and Authorities (iv) Development and Investments, and (v) Adversaries and Competitors. By prioritizing and understanding how these aspects influence future campaigns, the Combined effort of Norway and the U.S. will be postured to support strategic objectives within the High North as defined by policymakers and military commanders.

Is inflammatory change associated with psychological risk and resilience in high-risk military personnel?

IntroductionIn military populations, the potential for under-reporting of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and challenges in recognising early changes can make it difficult to detect an emerging disorder. However, early...

Identifying psychological risk and resilience in high-risk military personnel

IntroductionCombat exposure has been associated with the emergence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in military personnel; however, not all veterans are negatively impacted by their operational experience. In many...

Research on Maximum Explosive Strength and Training Methods

Explosive force is a form of fast power performance, explosive force athletes an important part of the overall level of athletic ability, the athletes' athletic performance enhancement has a vital important role, the vast majority of sports programs have a profound significance. But from the current athletes special explosive force training situation to discuss, many athletes explosive force training often lack of specialization and effectiveness, omitted the training of special explosive force, is not conducive to the athletes personal escape performance improvement. The article mainly uses the literature method to define the maximum explosive force and discusses the importance for human sports performance. Attempts from the factors affecting explosive force, explosive force training, development of explosive force training methods, explosive force training load selection, for athletes explosive force training to mention the new training design ideas.

Bite force transmission and mandible shape in grasshoppers, crickets, and allies is not driven by dietary niches.

Although species evolve in response to many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, frequently one factor has a dominating influence on a given organ system. In this context, mouthpart shape and function are thought to correlate strongly with dietary niche and this was advocated for decades, e.g., for insects. Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, and allies) are a prominent case in this respect because mandible shape has been even used to predict feeding preferences. Here, we analysed mandible shape, force transmission efficiency, and their potential correlation with dietary categories in a phylogenetic framework for 153 extant Orthoptera. The mechanical advantage profile was used as a descriptor of gnathal edge shape and bite force transmission efficiency in order to understand how mandible shape is linked to biting efficiency and diet, and how these traits are influenced by phylogeny and allometry. Results show that mandible shape in fact is a poor predictor of feeding ecology and phylogenetic history has a strong influence on gnathal edge shape. Being ancestrally phytophagous, Orthoptera evolved in an environment with food sources being always abundant so that selective pressures leading to more specialized mouthpart shapes and force transmission efficiencies were low.

Characterizing PTSD symptom profiles in special forces operators and support personnel: Justification for a Precision Medicine Approach

Given the large number and diverse types of PTSD symptoms, examination of subtypes within the comprehensive PTSD criteria is necessary. This is especially true for subpopulations of active-duty service members such as specialized military units that undergo assessment and selection, receive extensive training, and have significant operational experience and trauma exposure. The current study identified PTSD subtypes in 16,284 U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel who completed the Preservation of the Force and Family Needs Assessment Survey. Results identified a 4-profile solution. When stratifying the sample by occupation type (Operator vs Support), findings suggest that SOF Support personnel symptom presentations are primarily characterized by dysphoric and negative alterations in cognitions and mood symptoms. In contrast, SOF Operator personnel symptoms are best characterized by traditional profiles, consistent with the existing PTSD subtype literature. Results provide support for pursuing precision medicine approaches based on PTSD symptom profiles.

Effect of ketone monoester supplementation on elite operators' mountaineering training.

Special Operations Forces (SOF) often conduct operations in physiologically stressful environments such as severe heat, cold, or hypoxia, which can induce decreases in a variety of cognitive abilities. Given the promising empirical demonstration of the efficacy of exogenous ketone monoester (KME) supplementation in attenuating cognitive performance decrease during hypoxia at rest in a laboratory setting, we conducted a real-world, field experiment examining KME's efficacy during high-altitude mountaineering, an austere environment in which US SOF have conducted increasing numbers of operations over the past two decades. Specifically, 34 students and cadre at the US Army 10th Special Forces Group Special Operations Advanced Mountaineering School (SOAMS) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled crossover trial (KME vs. PLA) over 2days of tactical mountain operations training. The participants ascended from 7,500 ft in altitude (basecamp) to 12,460 ft on 1 day and 13,627 ft the other day (in randomized order), while performing various training activities inducing high physical and cognitive loads over 8-12h, and consumed six doses of KME or PLA 2-3h apart throughout each training day. While KME increased blood ketone levels and decreased glucose levels, there were no clear indications that the elevated ketone level enhanced physical or cognitive performance. KME also produced a greater incidence of heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. In these elite operators, high-altitude mountaineering had a limited impact on cognitive performance, and KME supplementation did not demonstrate any benefit.

Infantry Weapon Systems Used by Special Operations Forces to Carry Out Assigned Missions

Abstract Special Operations Forces (SOF) operate in dynamic, challenging environments, requiring accurate and versatile infantry weapon systems to effectively perform their assigned missions. This article provides a comprehensive review of the diverse range of infantry weapon systems used by SOF units in different theatres of operations. Through a synthesis of empirical data, operational perspectives and expert analysis, the study aims to elucidate the critical role of specialised weaponry in increasing the success rate of SOF missions. The analysis covers a broad spectrum of weapon platforms, each tailored to meet distinct mission requirements. In addition, the article explores the integration of advanced technologies into weapon construction, such as high-performance optical systems, silencers and other modular accessories, which enhance the lethality, accuracy and stealth capabilities of special forces units.

SPECIAL ISSUE: Lessons Learned: A Pilot Study on the Feasibility of Using Biofeedback Monitoring in a Remote Setting with Special Forces Veterans in Saipan

In 2019, our team traveled internationally to test the effectiveness of a physiological assessment and heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback program for a group of highly accomplished Special Forces Wounded Warriors participating in an international rehabilitative adaptive event. The intent was to offer biofeedback in a remote setting for managing and measuring stress while performing highly stressful tasks. The evaluation took place 8,000 miles from the mainland United States on the island of Saipan, the site of a tremendous battle during World War II. To our knowledge, a biofeedback system of this type has never been employed in a remote setting with this population. The transport of biofeedback equipment came with unique challenges as did providing an internet-based biofeedback project in a remote setting. Although HRV and health-related data were collected by study staff, the analysis of the data is not included in this manuscript. The purpose of this article is to provide information on key factors to consider when providing biofeedback in a remote setting, including data collection and storage in a limited internet service area; safe transport of equipment; and tools for successful biofeedback training in an isolated, international setting. We hope the information in this article will guide practitioners who plan to do similar types of biofeedback studies and interventions in the future.

World champions in training: germany’s difficult relationship with its military special operations forces

Povzetek Primeri skrajno desničarskega ekstremizma v nemškem poveljstvu specialnih sil kopenske vojske (Kommando Spezialkräfte Heer, KSK) se že več let uvrščajo na naslovnice mednarodnih medijev. Ogorčenje nemške javnosti in zahteva po spremembah sta ponudila priložnost za prestrukturiranje ne le KSK, temveč vseh nemških vojaških sil za specialno delovanje (GERSOF). Pričujoči prispevek zagovarja, da je celovita prenova potrebna zaradi številnih izzivov, s katerimi se spoprijemajo GERSOF, vendar je bil zagon izgubljen zaradi odnosov med nemško vlado in ključnimi deležniki, vključno z mediji. Prispevek na podlagi teorije akterjev in omrežij raziskuje te zapletene odnose in ponazarja, zakaj je vlada zapravila priložnosti za okrepitev GERSOF kot elementa nacionalne varnosti in za ponovno potrditev zavezanosti zaveznikom.

The Physiological Consequences of and Recovery following the Australian Special Forces Selection Course.

This study aimed to determine the energy requirements, physiological consequences, and recovery rate from the Australian Special Forces Selection Course. Ninety-three male soldiers (mean ± SD, 28.1 ± 3.6 y, 1.81 ± 0.1 m, 85.1 ± 8.1 kg) volunteered for this study. Body composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, hormones and resting metabolic rate were assessed before, immediately after, and at one, three, five, and eight weeks post-course. Energy expenditure, assessed via doubly-labelled water during the first 10 days of the course significantly exceeded energy intake (expenditure: 7680 ± 1095 kcal.d-1, intake: 3859 ± 704 kcal.d-1). Body mass (△ -6.8 ± 1.9 kg, p<0.01), fat mass (△ -4.2 ± 1.0 kg, p<0.0001) and lean mass (△ -3.0 ± 1.7 kg, p<0.0001) were significantly reduced in response to the course and returned to baseline 1-3 weeks post-course. Total testosterone, free testosterone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine and insulin like growth factor-1 significantly (p<0.001) declined following the course, while cortisol and sex hormone binding globulin increased (p<0.001). All hormones, except insulin like growth factor-1, returned to baseline concentrations within 1-3 weeks post-course. Resting metabolic rate decreased (p<0.01) in response to the course, and subsequently rebounded above baseline levels at one week post-course. The Special Forces Selection Course involved high energy output and a substantial caloric deficit, resulting in body mass loss and significant hormonal disruption that took weeks to recover. These results highlight the energy requirements, physiological consequences, and recovery processes from the Australian Special Forces Selection Course.

A qualitative study of special operations forces chaplaincy teams' relationship building for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.

The U.S. special operations forces (SOF) contribute to a range of complex missions and experience high operational tempo, which may result in heightened professional and personal stressors. Those who are experiencing stressors may be reluctant to seek professional mental health services due to career concerns. The chaplaincy community is at the forefront of bearing and responding to the pain of others including those at risk for suicide. As a formative step to developing a tailored suicide prevention curriculum for the U.S. SOF religious support teams (RSTs), we sought to understand SOF RSTs' common strategies for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. We conducted confidential interviews with SOF RSTs via telephone and in person. We used an inductive thematic analysis to code a total of 57 transcripts. SOF RSTs prominently expressed that building relationships with SOF community members was foundational to their suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention practices: (a) Suicide prevention involved being available and cultivating a community of insiders who can provide resources as needed prior to crisis escalation; (b) Suicide intervention involved listening and responding to suicide risk and building autonomy for a suicidal SOF member to seek outside help; (c) Suicide postvention involved reaching out to suicide-loss survivors and grieving together through memorial services. The salient theme of building relationships points to opportunities to capitalize on RSTs' social connections and to enhance skills and resources for military suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention practices. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

أثر اليقظة الاستراتيجية على أداء المنظمة واستدامته البيئية: دراسة تطبيقية على وزارة الاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات السعودية

The study aimed to identify the impact of strategic vigilance within the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on performance and its environmental sustainability, and to reveal statistically significant differences between the responses of the study sample members according to the variable (gender - age group - qualifications - job title - number of years of experience), and to achieve these goals. The descriptive analytical method was used, and the researcher built a questionnaire for this purpose, consisting of (38) items, and the study sample consisted of (285) individuals. The study reached many results, the most important of which are: The members of the study sample believe that strategic vigilance is not practiced to a high degree in the ministry, and that technological vigilance, as a dimension of strategic vigilance, has a high impact on performance. Considering this, the researcher presented his recommendations, including establishing a system for strategic vigilance. Officially within the Ministry, because the special changes force it to adapt to them and keep up with them, in order to achieve the ability to make effective decisions and confront future challenges, establishing executive units for strategic vigilance that are included within the organizational structure of the Ministry, and equipped with the necessary material, human and technical capabilities so that they are able to carry out the function. Strategic vigilance

Physical training program of military college cadets - future commanders of assault departments (platoons) using military pentathletics

Improving the physical fitness of military personnel has always been and is one of the most important tasks of training military specialists along with professional training. This is especially relevant for elite units (reconnaissance, airborne, landing and assault units, marines and special operations forces). The results of scientific and methodological research proved that the most effective means of performing tasks to improve the physical fitness of servicemen is the use of physical exercises from sports that are closest in terms of the structure of movements and the nature of physical exertion to the military and professional activities of servicemen. Military pentathlon clearly differs not only in the content of the exercises included in it, but also in the organization and provision of the educational, training and educational process. The analysis of literary sources allowed us to determine the lack of improvement in the organization of physical training of college cadets in the specialty "Management of actions of units of mechanized troops" (future commanders of departments and platoons of assault units. The research substantiated and developed the author's program for optimizing the physical fitness of military college cadets using military p' Martial arts as a means of physical education, which was implemented in the 2023-24 school year. Despite the high number of new assault units, there is currently no clear program for improving the physical fitness of these soldiers (from the soldier to the platoon commander). a new author's program of physical training of cadets of the sergeant's military college with the use of military pentathlon (for future commanders of departments or platoons of assault units). using military pentathlon as a means of physical education. An advisor on the organization of individual physical training for young sergeants - division and platoon commanders has been developed. The prospects for using the research results will be the implementation of this program in the practice of various assault units, which should significantly improve both general and special physical fitness; study of the relationship between general and special physical fitness and the development of specific methodological instructions for conducting various forms and activities of physical training using military pentathlon as a means of physical education.